EU organised 2nd Vientiane Cycling for Climate

Vientiane Laos, 17/12/2016 - 06:00, UNIQUE ID: 161219_3

Press releases

The European Union and Member States –organised with the support of Lao Cycling Association the 2nd Cycling for Climate in Vientiane with more than 400 cyclists including officials, diplomats as well as Vientiane citizens taking part in this social ride to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the achievements reached since it was adopted on 12 December 2015 at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris.

The cycling campaign aims to celebrate one year since the world decided to unite in the fight against climate change and to raise awareness on alternate mobility and the terrible effects of climate change, which is the biggest challenge of our generation.

The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016 and brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so.

EU Ambassador Leo Faber said that the European Union had committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and now the focus is on making the agreement a reality in the EU and the world.

The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius; to increase the capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, promoting resilience and adaptation investments in developing countries, in particular to reduce threats to food production; and to make adequate financial resources available to support a climate-resilient and low-carbon economic development.

Another activity organised to highlight the first anniversary of this Agreement by the EU and its Member States' Embassies in Vientiane was to switch on Europe House and French Embassy into Green Light on last 12 December 2016.

The cycling route started from the European Union Delegation (Europe House), went down along Donchanh Road and returned back Thatkhao Junction. It went up again along Samsenthai Road before taking Lanexang Avenue and passed by historic sites like Patouxay and Thatluang. The ride turned back and finally finished at Chao Pha Ngeum Park.

Helping to adapt to dangerous climate change is a key priority for the European Union in developing countries. But Europe is also working hard to cut its greenhouse gas emissions substantially while encouraging other nations and regions to do likewise.

"We are very pleased to see the strong commitment of Lao Government to this Agreement, whose ratification came first among the ASEAN Member States, and hope that this cycling tour would inspire more people in Vientiane to use alternative transports in order to help reduce increased traffic in this beautiful capital city," added Ambassador Faber.